Comparison of hemolymph biochemical parameters, productive performance and structural properties of silk fibers of silkworm, Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) by dietary diversification

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dietary diversification of Bombyx mori L., 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) larvae on hemolymph biochemical parameters, larval growth parameters, and cocoon and silk morphological and structural properties. The newly hatched silkworm larvae of a hybrid line (M × N) were randomly separated into two feeding groups: (1) mulberry leaves (ML), (2) artificial diet (AD). The experiment was conducted at KOZABİRLİK (Bursa, Türkiye) in May 2025 under controlled rearing conditions. The larval period was shorter, and larval weight and silk gland weight were higher in the ML group compared with the AD group (p